Disclaimer: Not mine by any stretch of the imagination... Sadly

Rating: PG maybe R overall

Pairing: Sherlock/Lestrade ; Watson/ Lestrade; maybe Sherlock/Watson/Lestrade

Lengh: 1239 words

Experiment # 2753

-"NO!" The almost shouted word lingered in the air, echoing the loud bang of the downstairs door.

-"No what?" asked Sherlock without concern, still plucking the strings of his violin.

-"No you won't" John ground out between his teeth. "You won't use him as one of your experiments!"

Sherlock didn't answer, raising his eyebrows slightly.

-"I won't ?"

-"NO!" shouted John, jumping from his seat, crossing the space between them. He stopped a mere inch from Sherlock, bracing himself on the arms of the chair. Leaning over him.

-"NO. . won't use Lestrade as experiment 2753 or whatever, named'How to seduce and abuse a straight man in five easy steps'," said John slowly.

Sherlock was not disturbed by his sudden outburst, but raised his eyes to him, locking their gaze.

-"More number 7865, but irrelevant now. What did you say? Straight. Are you sure about this John?" he said, a small smile on his lips.

-"Oh! God! Bastard!"

-"You've already said that, dear Doctor."

-"That's the only word that fits you, now" growled John, stepping back.

-"Why do you care?" asked Sherlock in "great detective "mode, cold stare and all ."No. No. Don't tell me... You care about our dear detective because you like him. No. You fancy him. Don't you John?

-"Me?" John was taken aback by the turn of the conversation. "NO! I don't fancy him! Stupid brat! I just don't like, you experimenting within the small circle of your friends... Our friends in fact" John amends.

-"Jealous. You are jealous. Aren't you? Are you jealous of my interest towards him. Or rather because of my lack of interest in you, Dear Doctor?" asked Sherlock coldly.

-"A wall. A stupid brick wall. I can't speak to a stupid brick wall Sherlock!" shouted John, throwing his hands in the air.

-"So. Jealous then". stated the detective with a smug smile.

Without another word but with a desperate sigh, John slid a shaking hand through his hair, muttering under his breath while putting his jacket on. He took his phone and began typing a text, stomping down the stairs in the vain hope of drowning out the noise of martyred violin strings.

FR: John Watson

To DI Lestrade

Need to talk with you. Now.

JW

The answer came a second later.

FR: Gabriel Lestrade

To : Doc

Speedy's.

Gabe

John stopped short, surprised to see the Detective in the snack bar next door. To be frank, John had never set foot there during the few months he had lived in 221B.

And Gabriel was here, with a beer and a sandwich. In the back of the room. A secluded booth. Discreet enough if Sherlock comes down.

The Detective glanced at John and waved him to the seat opposite him.

"Hey, Gabriel..."

"John? What's the matter?"

"Hum... You're a regular here?"

"Food is good. And it's easier to grab something here. With Sherlock, I never know if I'll have the chance to eat."

John took a second to look around him. The place was pleasant. Intimate. And if the DI said the food was good...

"John? Doc? Got something to tell me?" asked Lestrade with a tiny smile.

"Gabriel... I... I ... I don't know, how to say that in fact." muttered John, avoiding his friend's gaze.

Lestrade finished his drink slowly, giving him a bit more time. And if John was a loss for words, the situation must be pretty bad.

"Don't. Please. Don't let him," said the Doctor in a low voice, a bit of color creeping into his cheeks.

"Hum..." began Lestrade cautiously, "I don't really understand what you want to say. It's about Sherlock?"

"Yes."

"I'm a big boy John. You know that?" he said slowly. "He won't harm me."

Watson pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Tell me you won't let him... Do...Whatever he wants to do to you. Or with you" murmured John sadly.

"There's nothing to be done. He's made his mind up. I'll be the next experiment in Sherlock's life. I know that," answered Lestrade in a low voice. His eyes were fixed on the remains of his sandwich, not very keen to meet his friend's gaze. "Experiment is fine. If I can be part of his life for a while. Being the object of his interest. Could be nice for once."

"Gabriel... you deserve so much more than that. Don't let him. Please", said John again.

"You know, I've known him for five years now. Three years ago my wife left me. She was "fed up" she said, with my relationship with Sherlock. Always here for him, during his bad drug episode, always here when he called, always answering his texts, always following his lead when we were on a case together."

"Your wife?"

"Technically she still is my wife, we never got divorced ", said Lestrade. "But she was absolutely sure I was having an affair with Sherlock. I wasn't back then. And I'm not now. But if he is on..."

John raised an eyebrow, confusion evident on his face.

He had realized a long time ago, that Lestrade was attracted to Sherlock, but he never thought Lestrade would want to act on it. After all, his wedding ring told another tale. Clever indeed.

"Gab..."

"Why do you care John?" asked Lestrade suddenly.

"I... I don't want to see you hurt. Harmed by a careless Sherlock. A selfish genius. I kind of like you Gabriel. You are a good friend". finished John lamely.

Gabriel smiled a bit. His boyish grin. Lestrade trademak.

"Will you be there?" he asked quietly.

John waited for a second before nodding slowly.

"Will you be there for me. To pick up the pieces in the end?" asked Lestrade again, getting up from his seat.

"I will be there. Always,"answered John in a voice so low it was almost inaudible.

"Good."

The door pinged lightly when the Detective left.

John stayed a few minutes more. Trying to understand what would happen next.

Clearly, Sherlock had underestimated Lestrade, and maybe...

Maybe the game would not be so unfair.

End of Part I

Hugs to you all

San